Joel Gary became interested in music at an early age.  Starting with the piano, he moved to the organ at the age of nine.  Joel attended Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI and Red Wing Technical College in Red Wing, MN.  His organ teachers include William Elliott, Joseph Sullivan and George Shirley.  He has established himself as a church and theatre organist, as well as a teacher of both styles of organ playing.  Growing up in Grand Rapids, MI he became acquainted with the Mighty Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ at "The Roaring Twenties" later re-named "Good Time Charley's" Restaurant.  In 1989 he joined the staff as organist until the business closed in 1991.  His affair with this well-known Wurlitzer organ continued as he worked with the G.M. Buck Pipe Organ Company in restoring and installing this instrument in the new Van Andel Museum Center in Grand Rapids.

 

For several years Joel worked in the pipe organ maintenance and restoration business.  He operated his own company, Gary Pipe Organs, Inc. and later merged with Scott Smith of Lansing, MI to become Smith & Gary Pipe Organs, Inc.  Smith & Gary Pipe Organs was located in an historic downtown Grand Rapids building once home to the Sligh Furniture Company. 

 

Since 2001 Mr. Gary has been employed by the Westfield Organ Company in Grand Rapids, representing Allen Organs.  In addition to sales, Joel is involved in the installation and voicing of Allen Organs.  He also oversees the educational department at Westfield’s, giving instruction and showing organists how to best utilize the many unique features of the Allen Organ.  Joel is frequently invited to give recitals and dedication concerts as well as workshops and seminars for church organists.

 

From 1998 to 2006 Joel held the position of organist at the Hudsonville Congregational United Church of Christ in Hudsonville, MI.  He is also a staff organist at the Grand Ledge Opera House in Grand Ledge, MI appearing at the Barton Theatre Organ installed and maintained by Lansing Theatre Organ, Inc.  Mr. Gary has performed for several chapters of the American Guild of Organists as well as the American Theatre Organ Society.  He recently gave a workshop seminar on MIDI for the American Guild of Organists Region V Convention in 2005 held in Grand Rapids, MI.

 

Mr. Gary is a member of the American Guild of Organists, the American Theatre Organ Society and several classic car clubs.  His other interests include travel, art deco antiques and classic automobiles.